Hey Shug, I came across your videos in 2016 right before I started my backpacking journey. Because of you, I bought a hammock, and because of these videos, I bought a chameleon back in 2017. I still use that system to this day. You even helped me learn how to take it to ground when I can’t hang. I had to get off the trail to start cancer treatment, and I have even used it after surgeries inside for comfort and ease of getting up from. And now that cancer, surgeries and treatments for three and half years are taking their toll, it’s the hammock that keeps me out in the backcountry. Which gives me the best way to kick this cancer’s ass while knocking off some bucket list adventures. I can’t thank you enough for these videos, and I always look forward to watching them. Thank you for the very expensive, unhealthy obsession with hammocks, and new ideas, because you know our system always needs improvement 😜
Cancer is a tough trail, glad to hear you’re still in the fight BTDT. As to hammocks the worst night in a hammock is still better than the best night on the ground. And the community is delightfully different.
Thank you for EVERYTHING you've done for our community!! Ive learned a tremendous amount from you over the years. I sincerely hopw your surgery and recovery goes well!
Awww thanks. I truly like it is someone gets something from all this. I watch a lot of You Tube a music theory and bass and mandolin and sheet rock repair. It is satisfying to learn something from somebody.
Good luck with your surgery, Shug! As an exclusive ground-dweller, you’re the only person I’d ever watch a 20 minute video, start to finish, about hammocking. 😂 Sending all my wishes for a speedy convalescence!!
Hey Shug. Ahh the hammock fit journey, I went through four until finding the one that works 98%. I’m 6-3 so it ended up being a 11 foot Warbonnet. Went through two under quilts and top quilts. You’re sure right about setting up the Warbonnet hammocks, the best thing I did was to make a backyard hammock lab to sort out all the issues before hitting the outdoors. Good luck with your throat surgery and protect that fine tenor voice.
Warbonnet has some good set up tips. www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hammock-setup.pdf Hope they include them with hammocks. Thankee. Maybe I'm be a mezzo soprano after!
I found that raising the foot end 12 inches plus was the magic trick for me. Been awhile since I’ve bought any new gear but those Superior Gear hammocks have been talking seductively. Here in Texas much of the public land (rare as it is) isn’t easy to hammock in. Overgrown or not hammock tree friendly.
Luck with the GTrunk Starter, about 9'6" × 4'7". Can lay right in it or really great with 66"×20" Womens Neo Air X-Lite Pad. What beats the Superior in warmth & comfort is the slightly wider 49" +extra baffle Hammock Gear Incubator: it wraps the feet & covers the head better. With the Superiors I feel they get a cold spot where my foot hits the uninsulated hem & I feel like they somehow could be a touch longer: like the Blackbird the Superior takes a bit of alignment for the hang angle, I imagine especially for tall people. I think the "Hood" at the top of the Superior Hammock, like Simply Light Designs uses, helps eliminate calf ridge, because my 10' older Superior with no hood gets a bit more calf ridge than the 11' with the hood. Weird how the $29.99 GT Starter does not seem to have much calf ridge & is a good overall hammock configured many ways. If one can arrive at a hammock that can be hung in the middle of the night in a weird place, perhaps bad weather too--and that hammock has the fewest adjustments to make, it might be the winner.
This wasn't asked, but I am at about 2.5 years in a cheap Amazon hammock with an inexpensive synthetic underquilt. I sleep dang well in it, even in winter, but I also line it well with other insulation in the cold. I am always tempted to upgrade to an insulated Superior Gear hammock, and you are pushing me over the edge. God speed brother. It was nice hearing your voice. I look forward to hearing it again when it has recovered.
The first hammock I bought was in 1983. It was a WW2 surplus jungle hammock I paid 30 bucks for, and I used it until the late 90's when the canvas started to wear out and the top started to get brittle and leak. I went to tents for a few years until I discovered manufacturers starting to make modern hammocks.
I made a diy hammock from the directions you have back in 2007. I heard about you on a podcast, "Southern Backpackers" or something like that. Came to your channel and have been hooked ever since. I am praying for your surgery to be a success and recovery to be quick.
In 2013, I purchased an ENO single at Neels Gap, on the Appalachian Trail. I've used it for several section hikes. Following your videos, I created a Ridgeline, l made the Whoppie Slings, and use a nylon tarp. Since 2017, I use it for lounging in the backyard, and throw it in the travel trailer, to lounge in the campground. I've always thought I'd try a different mfg when this one gives out. I'm either taking good care of it, or I'm not using it enough. But the bottom line, when I need it, it still works for me.
Started with a Grand Trunk Nano 7 with a Kymit pad and a sleeping bad. Quickly realized the nano was a great day pack hammock and too small to sleep on. Upgraded to the Dutch Half-wit, still using pad and sleeping bag. Went all out and got a Dutch Chameleon, 20° Underground Quilts under and top quilt. Still the setup I am using today. I did add a custom made 40° under and 50° top quilts to my arsenal. My entire hammock journey is thanks to Shug. I found his videos and dove in head first.
I too started with pads for a long time. Was fun. When I went under quilt I never looked back. Thanks for your hammock history. Whooooo Buddy)))) Chad.
Thankee! Thankee and thanks. Yessir. I just got that Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling USA made bass about a week ago. Traded in my P bass and a guitar and got a great deal Have been researching them and found one about 90 miles away to try. I loved it so brought it home. Can't quit playing it.
I started out with a 9 ft.hammock I got at Walmart over 10 years ago, which I still use on my deck as a quick set up when my hang addiction overwhelms me. Since then I got Warbonnet and Dutch hammocks. I stopped backpacking many years ago( same age as you ) because I just couldn’t sleep on the ground without waking constantly and couldn’t stand up in the morning. I do have to thank my brother for turning me on to hammocks and after that first sleep through the night I was hooked and found your channel. Been in the woods constantly since. Thanks 🙏
My first hammock was a hammock gear netted hammock, now im running a half-wit and absolutely love it. I didnt realize how bad the calf ridge was in the old HG hammock!
Hi Shug! I’ve carried a hammock for ten years thanks to you and I’ve never slept better on the trail. I’ve got two 11 foot Amazon gathered end hammocks that work fine for me but I’ll sew a Knotty Mod(tm) into them and see what it does for that annoying flapping on windy nights in northern Ontario. Shout out to Hammock Gear for great quilts! And best wishes on your surgery Shug! Maybe you could do a Buster Keaton silent film! 😁
I added a knotty mod once and had good results making the whole knotty mod on a separate piece of fabric with the shock cord it it and done and then sewed that to my hammock hem. About 20 inches long works well. Surgery went real good. All done. Had it yesterday. Just feels like a bad sore throat. The low dose oyx they gave me helps. Still can function. Not uttered a peep yet. 2 weeks total silence. Got a white board. Funny...Meg talks to me like I'm deaf since I can't speak....haaa.
Thanks! It won't take much material. Some nylon for a sleeve, shock cord and a couple toggles. I saw your Jan22 video. Your surgery hasn't affected your amazing playing! Would your vow of silence make you the first Backpacking Monk? 🙂@@shugemery
I just bought an 30° Ultimate Bundle from Superior Gear last year because of Shug & Buckley. It was pricey, but it is less expensive that the cheaper hammocks & gear that I pieced together earlier days! Love the Superior Hammock...easy up, no fuss underquilt!
Thanks for taking the time to share with us your hammock experience. I have the Warbonnet XLC. I have the older nylon version. I’m not completely at ease with the setup and probably should do some trials at home in order to properly dial my setup. The RR is much easier to setup. Good luck on your throat surgery. I guess you won’t be appearing on THE VOICE anytime soon 😂. You can always stick to the guitar 😉👍
Best of luck with your surgery shug... I've been in a 11 ft Onewind for 3 years now... Love every thing about it... Built in whoopie sling Ridgeline...Have it set on 110 inches and get the best sleep...On the trail 40 plus weekends a year so it gets lots of use...I think Onewind is one of the best kept secrets in the hammock world... Very affordable and great quality...My hammock looks like it did the first time i used it...Most my weekends are in Linville Gorge Wilderness and the AT... Happy Trails Shug...🥾🥾
@@shugemery I always enjoy all your gorge videos and I'm lucky to live within an hour of the southern end and 45 mins from 105 at the Northern end...I did the grand Loop labor day weekend...It was a blast...
Been into hammocks for I guess 10 years now. Always made my own. I made an XL hammock, but it was just too much. I felt like I needed to go really crossways subconsciously to take advantage of that width. Ended up making another around 60 wide and love it. The XL was around 70 wide. Hope all goes well with the surgery. We gotta have that Whooo Buddyyyy!
Shug, I got a Warbonnet blackbird double layer XL, got great service with custom down placement in my 0 degree Wookiee, under quilt and xl x60” top quilt the morning after seeing your videos for the first time 4 or 5 years ago!😂 I love the way my quilt protector zips into my winter top or my bug net for a nice winter sleep! I’m 68 and still hike and camp! I sleep better in my hammock than my bed! I keep it up year round! Still using and loving my warbonnet, wanting to get a Superior with attached under quilt like yours! Hey best wishes with your upcoming surgery you have a lot of people who appreciate you! God Bless and get well soon, and please let us know, a little typing! Please keep us informed ❤
Happy you have had good and positive hammock experiences. That good sleep in the woods adds to ones life. Whooooo Buddy)))) Thankee on the surgery. Should be an interesting experience. Hoping to get out Winter camping soon.
Hey shug My first hammock was from sail, just the standard double-wide two-person 9 foot hammock. I found it comfortable, I'm 6'2. my whole life I had one vertebrae sticking out in my back that no one could fix it really cared too much about and usually had back pain from physical labor jobs. After 2 months of sleeping in that hammock every night, it was gone. Just like that my fiance rubbed my back one day and she said where's that bump and I looked and it was gone. So that was a life changing moment for me and I bought a Dutch chameleon and I've slept in that for almost 3 years now every night. I wake up restored, no back pain, best sleep's in my life I use it every night at home and for camping and just recently made my own hammock which is turning out to be just as comfortable. But hammocks are their own magical beasts I guess you could say and there's fussy sometimes but in the end I think they're Superior to beds and like most people here I believe you were a big part in my hammock learning experience and still are and truly appreciate what you did for me and what you do for the community. Well that's the short and sweet to my hammock story. I wish you good luck on your surgery and a fast and speedy recovery. Happy hanging. 🌳👍🌳
Shug, you've seen my one of a kind hammock, 11' long, 48" wide with a spreader bar above my head. When I discovered hammocks, shortly before Hammock Forums was hatched in 2006, I bought an ENO. Made at least one simple DIY hammock Then, in 2007 I made the style hammock I still use today.
Hi Shug! Recover quickly! Years ago my husband was ready to give up camping because he didn't like crawling out of the tent each day. I found hammock forums, joined and then made double layer hammocks for each of us. We then made a plan to hang out once a month and successfully did it for 4 years (side note, we live in NE Ohio). Yes, many nights were in our side yard.. sub zero Temps are not my favorite. Over the years we have amassed a lot of hammocks. My favorite is still the one I made. My least favorite and most expensive mistake was the bottom entry hammock (I had several panic attacks in the middle of the night). It's so hard to admit to my husband I will never sleep in it again. I now use a winter sleeping pod designed for the hammock. I now sleep warm and happy. Thanks to you and hammock forums for all your words of wisdom over the years.
My best sleep always comes from my 12ft chameleon. My first hammock was a onewind 11’. I slept in it enough to get into hammocks. I have a 11’ Darien I’ve never spent a night in. I’m going to give it a try soon. Every time I’ve lounged in it, I’m surprised how comfortable it is. It’s something to do with the bug net sewn on one side. Just works better than my sparrow somehow.. Best lounging hammock is my 12’ DutchWare nettles like the one in your video.. Im a few years into hammocks 62 years old and a hammock and kayak junkie.. I appreciate your videos and you’ve helped me through a lot of learning curves..
Good to see ya, Shug. Hope surgery goes well and we see you back in the woods soon. Took advantage of the recent snow storm here in Tennessee to finally give my Superior Gear hammock a true cold weather test and it passes with flying colors…new personal low of 19 degrees. Slept like a baby. Cannot thank you enough for convincing me to invest in it. Looking forward to getting back out in few weeks. Stay well.
My personal low was 15 with a 20 degree down sleeping bag, no underquilt. The only thing that got me through the night was packets of peanut butter. Just a 1/4 mile up the trail was a huge firepit with reflector/split wood and two trees perfectly positioned in front of that fireplace. Grrrr. The funny part was the previous night was 50 degrees at 3am.
Love it! Remember to migrate your down from time to time after packing and unpacking. Migrate means patting the down where needed. ua-cam.com/video/07rYfwaOyDQ/v-deo.html Whooooo Buddy))))
No underquilt or pad?? Sleeping on peanut butter packs just does not insulate well. But good on a sandwich!! The Superior Gear he mentions has built in under quilt. I know you ate the peanut butter, not slept on it. I'm just being a wisenheimer....
@@shugemery Thanks for that tip. I just washed all my down quilts, pillows, and jackets for a fresh clean fluffy warm cuddly sleep. Since my excursion with the 20 degree sleeping bag, I purchased a 40, a 0 degree overstuffed hammock gear quilts, plus a 20 degree jacks r' better underquilt. All brands you have done videos on in the past. Thanks.!
On my Chameleon, I took a piece of shock cord and tied it into a loop, then attached it to two of the UQ hooks on my head end where the fabric used to hit my face. Works really well, especially since I don't use my hooks for my UQs. I guess I organically discovered the function of the knotty mod. The 11-foot Chameleon in 1.6 hexon is my second hammock. This April will be two years of sleeping in it every night. I sometimes think maybe I'm missing out on a better sleep, but I really can't see how that's possible. I sleep 10 hours no problem, don't even move once.
As a kid I actually camped in a cheap net hammock. Woke up the next morning looking like a Belgian waffle, but I slept ok. As an adult I've had 3 so far; An Amazon ENO knockoff, a Ridge Outdoor Pinnacle 180, and a Superior Gear Classic Hammock. I've had a fair number of nights in each, but the SGC has been my main for about a year and a half now. it is only 10', but is very comfortable. Eventually my plan is to get an insulated hammock from SG for fall, winter, and spring and probably a Chameleon for summer. Only time (and budget) will tell...
Hey Shug, Man You're sure bombing on that bass? Beides playing a mandolin and guitar, is there anything that this young man can't do?. I think being in the circus caused you to be at master of all the arts. A jack of all trades you're not but a master of them, you are! Well that's my opinion of you and I'm sticking to it! I pray that your surgery goes well, and wishing you only the best in this 2024 season.
Really sweet of you to say Bec. Circus teaches one to practice and practice more. And play. And enjoy the progression. I will never master anything. Maybe if I was into just "one" thing but that would bore me I think. I'd rather be "pretty good" at a few things. Don't we all feel that way?? Surgery Friday. Then Mute I'mm be. Could be life changing!!
@@shugemery Will, needless to say, I love watching your videos. You inspire a lot of people. If it weren't for you, I would have never learned about hammock camping. If it weren't for you, I would have never learned how to make a whoopie sling. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even know to put a ridgeline up. You have been an inspiration with all of your videos. Not just your juggling, not just your Halloween get up. But all in all just everything you do is an inspiration to everybody. Thanks for all your vids!
My first hammock: tablecloth, 13' x 90". Did a LOT of testing in the back yard with that. First, tried adjusting the length up/down...found 11.5 foot as my sweet spot. Next, was to adjust the width. HOWEVER, I found that I kinda liked the wider 90" width; in summer, I'd flop that part over me to act as a kind of bugnet, and in the colder weather, flopping the excess hammock over my head provided that extra little bit of warmth. 3 years ago, I left for a group camp WITHOUT my dear hammock...a fellow camper had a spare Blackbird XLC to get me through the weekend. That was enough to tell me that I liked the XLC, and now I have one of those as well. Only have about 40-50 nights in my XLC, but still carefully weigh the options of using my old 90"-wide tablecloth instead for every trip.
Shug, thanks for all the content and for helping to guide me through the hobby over the years :) If you ever want to come recover (or just visit! ) in the warmer climes of mexico, i'd love to give you the royal tour. Wish you the best on the recovery from the surgery!
Thankee. I spent a good deal of time in Mexico back in the day. Worked a lot of cruise ships. A Royal Tour...can I wear a Crown? Though these days I really love being home after a life on the road.
Had a Clark TX270 for four years and used it on a ton of camping and hiking trips with the boy scouts. Had the system dialed in so I could sleep comfortably down to 20 degrees and survive the nastiest of summer storms. Loved it! And then one fateful Fall night the zipper jammed on the weather shield. I tried to force it free with my foot and then "perma-jammed" it. In the morning I had to call out to my buddy Wally from inside the hammock and ask him to get me out. He managed to get about an 18 inch opening somehow and I tried to squeeze through it. (Picture Jim Carrey escaping the rhino in Pet Detective 2.) I couldn't get all the way through and nature was calling pretty bad so I had to make the call - "cut me out". My beloved hammock was ruined. I've since gotten a replacement NX270 from Dutch, but she just isn't the same even know that is all in my head. Smells too new and clean. I probably just need a dozen more thunderstorms and angry midnight chipmunk taunts and she'll be just right. I do love the Clark hammocks, and I'm glad Dutch took the brand under his wing. Loved learning about hammocks from your videos over the year! Good luck with the surgery. (Shurgery?)
I really do wish you the very best for a swift and complete recovery, from someone who hugely benefitted from your videos when I was recovering from brain surgery 5yrs ago. From a ginger-haired UK guy who was brought up in a few US states, including Minesota! Take care, buddy.
Thanks Shug. As so many have said, I have been watching the journey for many years. Looking forward to "hearing" you in a couple of months. Carpe Diem! !! !!!
We bought Dutchware netless 11 footers in 2016, and those are the only hammocks we've owned. I finally bought a new netless hammock last year to loan out to people that want to go with us.
I really enjoy these talks we have, always something to consider or learn, will miss them for a spell. Well wishes on the surgery, it's gonna be tough given your gift of gab and all, maybe just post up some bass playing and we can get in the grove till your all healed up and back in the grove. All the best to ya always.
My first hammock was a Warbonnet Warbird 2006 circa. I went through two of his, and I could never get comfy in them. I tried a few others, and they were OK as well. Enter Papa Smurf and his prototype danger bird he posted on Hammock forums around 06/07. I bought the 2nd one he made. I still use it to this day. I have other hammocks, but I always end up reverting back to his original hammock he made all those years ago, and it's still holding up fine. I will say last summer I did grow a kin to his free Bird. I think I might rock that this season a bit more and see how I like in comparison.
Hey Shug, sooo first hammock was an Eno Double Nest. I cobled togather an over quilt and under quilt from old sleeping bags. It was a week long trip in the BWCA at the beginning of Oct. Temps were high 20's to mid 30's i was comfortable the whole time. Since that trip I've tried Dutch Half Wit. I was all right didn't love the bug net situation. Like you said,"I REALLY wanted that to be the one." I used it for 3 years. Just didn't ever get really comfortable in it. Whether dealing with the calf ridge, or side flop or bugnet issues wasn't the one. I'm currently into a Chameleon and it has fit me pretty good. I've had pretty consistent setups generally enjoy it the most of the three. That said, the ENO was a close second at this point. Woo Buddy Good luck with your surgery (and staying quiet that long). You got this.💪🏼 Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge with us. Appreciate you. 🤙🏼✌🏼
I think we all did a lot of cobbling in the beginning. Chameleon is really comfy. I like that 1.6 heron fabric a lot. All done. Had the surgery yesterday. Just feels like a bad sore throat. The low dose oyx they gave me helps. Still can function. Not uttered a peep yet. 2 weeks total silence. Got a white board. Funny...Meg talks to me like I'm deaf since I can't speak....haaa.
I’ve never heard of a Notty-Mod till now. But… three years ago I built my own hammock and added shock cord full-length on both sides. I love it. The hammock is 12 ish feet long. I don’t like the length for very cold camping when I am stacking under quilts. But I’m glad my concept - like I invented a wheel or something- is out there. I never get on forums, I here about this stuff only from you. So, speedy healing wishes for you. Missed you at the FBH or Refrigerated Butt Hang. No stacked quilts needed this year. ATB!
Good to see ya Shug, My first hammock (2007) was a Hennessy Expedition. You know the one where, when your non hammock camping friends thought you were crazy for exiting out the bottom, and one clever friend said you looked like a dinosaur afterbirth coming out of that contraption. I eventually did the zipper mod, and it was my go to for about 5 years. Then a got a couple of Dutch's double lined 11 ft with the knotty mods. Still got them and I like them for summer. For winter, I have A warbonnet ridge runner. I need the Spindrift Sock. For the kind of winter camping I do. Good luck on your upcoming procedure.
Hooray!! A new Shug video😁 I can't tell you how much I look forward to these, doesn't matter what your theme is, if it's you and hammocks Shug you make my day. Dealing with some hard stuff right now and your cheerful presence has helped, thank you so much and I wish you every good thing you would like 👍
I’m laying in my Dutch 12’ hammock while I watch this video. Purty comfy and floppy. I’ve gone down the hammock rabbit hole. They ALL have compromises. 12’ trail lair wide gathered and a Townsend big guy bridge. Those two are my go to hammocks. For various reasons. Thanks for the years of good solid information on hammock camping, and sharing your experiences and setup ideas. And good luck with the surgery.
Hi my hammock guru. I started with very short hammock from Aliexpress (9 ft long) with DIY underquilt, then i found your youtube channel. Now I have 11" Polish hammock Lesovik Draka. It similar like Dutchware chameleon. I wish you good luck with your surgery, and also greeting to Meg.
Good luck with the surgery! Anyone who has watched your channel loves the content/presentation, your knowledge, and your sense of humor. Maybe you can convince the surgeon to string up a hammock, pine scented candles, forest sounds playing in the background, they'll be writing papers about how easily the procedure went and how quickly you healed up. "Throw out that pyramid! Mabel, I've switched to Shugs Healing Hammocking!" Will be echoed across the country! Serious though, take care, brother, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hi Shug, great video as I get ready to teach Scouters about hammock camping this weekend. I’ve been using an ENO DoubleDeluxe for 7 plus years now along with an occasional trip in an ENO DoubleNest. My son and I started in the ENO SingleNests as that’s what was in the trading post at Webelos camp all those years ago. The extra fabric in the Deluxe is useful for throwing over myself when I want another layer on top of my quilt/poncho liner/clothed body, especially if I’m not using a tarp in the summer time and the temp dips a little. Occasionally I’ll get some calf ridge but shifting around usually relieves it for me. I use a JRB Sierra Sniveller TQ and a Greylock 3+ under quilt for shoulder seasons through mild mid-Atlantic winter camping. In late spring and summer it’s usually a DIY PLUQ under and a poncho liner loose on top. I switched my suspension 17:17 from the standard ENO carabiner and Atlas/Slap Straps to whoopie slings after watching one of your videos years ago, first in the DoubleNest and then in the DoubleDeluxe. Whoo buddy, that’s some good sleeping!!!
Man I wish we had had hammocks as scouts but two guys sleeping in those old button together canes tent as good memories. I can still smell that canvas. Show them boys the way!!! Shug Troop 51 Cooks Methodist Church Hall Hornets Nest Mecklenburg County Charlotte, NC
Thank you Shugmister.....Great content with a smile...Love your Goldie Locks syndrome... Just Right... Can't wait to give a hammock a try. I'm 73 and still smokin the hopium to hit the AT. Keep em coming. Now I need to check out all your videos...exciting!!!
I hear a lot of good things about Superior from people who get CBS all the time with a UQ & they just cannot make it right. I was just talking late night Saturday with Majestic Hammock at Hangcon about hammock sizes. They suggested I try a 10' 6" hammock in their line. They put elastic all around the outside it helped manage the flop. I'm 5' 6" and started with a 11 foot hammock because that's what Dutch sold. Right now I'm in love with the Ridgerunner. And when I lounge I want my Wahalla wide hammock like it's a big Amok chair or let the sides hold my head up so I can read a book. So go figure. You're right on with the HYOH. Try stuff.
Great video Shug! Thanks for esplainin' the knotty mod....new to this myself and didn't know what the heck people were talking about. My first "backpack" hammock: Hidden Wild Blue Jay from Costco. $114 CAD. I bought knowing I could return it. It was a test (I didn't want to go down your 1000 hammock road because I don't have a garage for my gear lol). It was heavy - 5 lbs 10 oz. Length 9'4" x 59" wide. Integrated UQ + TQ (which is crap. Froze my butt off at 14 C/57 F ). No ridge line. Horrible sleep. Next time I took it out, I incorporated a ridge line, and that made ALL the difference plus I brought a sleeping bag. Super comfortable. But too heavy. Then I knew I wanted a serious hammock for backpacking. I went on Reddit and asked "what would your soul mate hammock be?" And the SG was the answer for me. I think the integrated UQ is the ticket. I'm in Canada, so it is NEVER too warm. That's what I have now (10' 30 degree UQ), but I kind of had a shit sleep in it my first night out (I was warm though, at -12C/10F), but I felt a "shelf" - not just calf ridge, but a bloody shelf! It was horrible. Got to mess around with the ridge line to find my sweet spot. Hey Shug, maybe you could use AI for voice video after your shuggery, I mean surgery. Thanks man! Happy hangin.
My favorite hammock is actually a diy gathered end made from a tablecloth. I think its 10ft by 5ft give or take. I have it set up indoors and I sleep in it daily. Its green!
I used a homemade tablecloth hammock for the first few years, quite a few years in fact. It was comfortable. But I started to worry about it on longer trips because it wasn't ripstop -- when it was time for it to go, it would GO. Four seasons ago, I switched to a Dream Hammocks Raven. That was a lucky choice and I've been very content with it from the get-go. Last year I further upgraded from an underpad to an Arrowhead Jarbidge synthetic underquilt. Tremendous! I sleep like a baby out in the woods. You know we're all rooting for you with this surgery, Shug. Hope you're back in fine fettle right quick. Meantime, let the bass do the talking. Hang in there, as the hammockers say!
Thankee and thanks. Yessir. I just got that Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling USA made bass about a week ago. Traded in my P bass and a guitar and got a great deal Have been researching them and found one about 90 miles away to try. I loved it so brought it home. Can't quit playing it.
I've been using the warbonnet ridgerunner for about 4 years now. Its more comfortable than my bed. I really want to try a superior gear hammock with the built in quilt. I've just never slept in a gathered end hammock. Thanks for putting all your knowledge on the subject into these videos. Hope you have a speedy recovery from your surgery. At least you can still make some noise slappin' that bass!
The nice thing about a bridge hammock is that you can just flop your feet out and not have them crammed to one side. Advantage I say. I've enjoyed putting out the videos through the years. Thankee. My surgeon seems smart and capable and at the Mayo Clinic. In good hands.
Great to see a new video Shug, love the base too, a new passion keeps life interesting doesn't it. Just thinking about you post surgery, if you're up to it, maybe a silent winter hammock camping trip video, a first for Shug! No lolly gagging, just taking us along for the ride. The mime (1) and the voyeur (112K). A performer like you, no problem...Whoooo Buddy!
Thankee. Yessir. I just got that Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling USA made bass about a week ago. Traded in my P bass and a guitar and got a great deal Have been researching them and found one about 90 miles away to try. I loved it so brought it home. Can't quit playing it. I am itching to go Winter camping and hope we get lots of snow soon.
Hey shug, I just started sleeping in a hammock last summer. Your videos helped me a lot with the right setup. Been using an Amazonas traveler quilted. I had a lot of great nights in it. But I remember getting a small calf ridge in it... Did not really bother me till now but that's something to improve on for sure! All the best for your surgery and a fast recovery! Greetings from Germany
Praying for you and for a successful outcome for your surgery! Thank you for your knowledge and enthusiasm, and your willingness to share them with us.
Hi Shug, I have gone through the gauntlet of hammocks! I have also gotten rid of my wide hammocks. I have 3 Dream Hammock Dariens, which I sleep full time in! My backpacking hammocks now are Superior gear , eliminating dealing with underquilts. Have the 10 ft 45 degree elite and 30 degree 11 footer. Don’t like their zip on bug net so use a Dream hammock bottom entry net. Love it! I too find myself not sleeping on the extreme diagonal lay anymore. I do use pillow behind my knees, always have. I’ve enjoyed your videos. I’m 68 yrs old and still living the dream of hammocks! Will never sleep in a bed again! Take care and God bless!! Barry
I still use the same hammock to sleep in that I got from Walmart in 2018 for 35 bucks 😎 I have two of them, the original one hanging in my room and another one set up for camping
I started out with the Hennessey hammock and then moved to the helsdon chrysalis bridge hammock. That was a little heavy so I settled on the ridge runner bridge. That’s my hammock, I am well satisfied.
First of all, good luck with your surgery. I have two hammocks one HG for most of the time with various TQ and UQ from HG as well. When it gets serious cold i switch to my superior gear 0 degree with the 40 degree cocoon and whatever additional TQ needed for the conditions. I love both of them. Also thanks for introducing me to ula. I have a catalyst for winter and ohm 2.0 for summer. I love them both
Hey Shug! We met at COTA last year. Great to see some more hammock content! To answer your question. Like many people I started with an Eno hammock. It was great for the backyard, but not for camping. Then I went to a Hennessy 10ft. It was around that time that I started watching your videos. My current hammock is a Warbonnet Eldorado and I love it! Good luck with your surgery!
For sure....I remember. Got out deposit down for next year. We may shoot for Main Grandstand this year. Be fun to see all the Grid action. When I take a Warbonnet it is my single layer Eldorado. Shelf is nice but I prefer my smiling mesh ridgeline organizer. Had the surgery today. Feels like just a very sore throat. Only 2 weeks of no talking or sounds. So far so good.
Hey there Shug! Appreciate the insight on this video. I actually got into hammocks in general when I heard a couple of guys talkin' about "Shug" on the AT. It was like this secret powwow I didn't know anything about but was welcome to join. I had never slept in a hammock and barely laid in one. Grabbed a cheapie off of amazon and realized quickly two things: 1. I enjoyed laying in a hammock no matter the fabric, make, length, etc. 2. I was no longer a "tenter." Once I realized the latter, my first camping hammock was a WB XLC. I really liked it and, as you said, it's a great sitting hammock. They're wonderful quality and Brandon and team have amazing customer service and pride in their product. At some point, I ended up grabbing a 2nd hand Dutch Chameleon and just fell in love with the fabric. It has become my go-to and I've ended up buying a second and a word of accessories (including the new JRB zip UQ add). I ended up selling my WB XLC setup to a close friend who was just getting into hammocking. It was a bittersweet "see you again soon" to an old friend. I say that to say this: Really fair point on continuing to search. Just because you've invested a healthy chunk of change into a first, second, or even umpteenth setup doesn't mean you've found the one that's right for you. Group hangs, discussions, insightful research etc. are a fantastic way to make sure you're on the right track for yourself. If you get in a setup and something seems off, listen to yourself. Find what's off and try to fix it. As you've said before, hammocking is a constant adjustment lifestyle. Happy hanging sir and warm wishes for a speedy surgery recovery. We'll be here when you get back. The water will be boiling for you. - Neilbo
Nice dissertation there Neilbo. Doing my bass trials the same way. Yessir. I just got that Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling USA crafted bass about a week ago. Traded in my P bass and a guitar and got a great deal Have been researching them and found one about 90 miles away to try. I loved it so brought it home. Can't quit playing it. Smaller than the original Music Man. www.music-man.com/instruments/families/basses/sterling The new Music Man has that nice neck cutaway on back and eases getting up there. Thankee! Fun to have a bass challenge~ Hello to the family from me...Silent Shug of the Third Person
@@shugemery Man a solid P Bass is a hard thing to let go of as well. Those sterlings are good lookin' instruments to boot! I think the "can't quit playing it" part is the most important. Keep on pluckin' my friend. Hope to see ya between the trees soon.
Started with a Hennessy before i found your channel. Great hammock but it left your foot at an angle that made it hurt in the morning if you used a pad you would be fine, but i sleep with my dog so we need the underquilt. Gave my Hennessy to a friend who was sleeping our of her eno. Was good but she felt like the fabric was starting to stretch after a few years. After i found your channel i got a went with the warbonnet a few years later. That’s been great but the dogs nails just go right though the bug net, and i feel like it could be a little more roomy for the dog. Maybe i need more fabric or a double foot box? Getting a dream hammock here in a few weeks here hopefully, going symmetrical hopefully it will give my dog enough space inside of being committed to a right or left side lay? Dogs make a really great hip/thigh warmer and if you’re lucky you can have them pre warm the hammock before bed. Highly suggest dogs in hammocks. Under 25 pound dogs though. Not sure about larger dogs but i also haven’t tried.
Maybe a double layered hammock would be best for you and your dog under quilt. Not much you can do about the bugnet but repair it. Enjoy the warmth! Dogs are the best.
Hey Shug, on my second ENO now. Never tried anything else. Tree hanging for 5 or 6 yrs now and only this last yr slept assemetricle. Like you, 10 or 12 hrs sleep minus the several get up to pees in the night. Love it.
Started with the Eno doublenest a bazillion years ago. Finally settled into a Dutchware netless 1.6 hexon 11 footer. In season I use a Fronkey bugnet with it from another manufacturer...BIAS maybe? Tried other more expensive stuff since, but that one is what I keep coming back to. Simple, light, comfy...at least to me. Hope the surgery went well!
Yeah, I'd watch a pantomime video while you recuperate!! Again, a successful, easy surgery and a quick recovery are wished! Thanks for this one!!! Appreciate the humor and, no, I wouldn't 'lie' to you, either.... 😉
Hey Shug! Best of luck with the surgery. Feel free to mime a hammock video or simply come on and play some for us, just to let us know you are okay. Oh, and I started and still have an ENO hammock. It's good for an afternoon nap and hanging out with friends but doesn't meet my backpacking need at all. Very soon planning on upgrading to a Warbonnet.
If you get a Warbonnet make sure to read their set-up directions and follow, Insires the best hang. Foot end 12 to 16 inches higher than head and foot end strapped closer to a tree than head end.....www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hammock-setup.pdf
@@shugemery Excellent! Thanks! I feel that if I am going to get 10-11 hours of sleep in a hammock the least I can do is get one that requires a little set up knowledge and practice. You've got to earn that much sleep. 😂
First hammock was DIY, then moved to a WBBB XLC and loved it. Then I shifted to the WB Ridgerunner bridge hammock and that's the one that I've consistently used since; 10 years. Love the "lay flat" aspect of the bridge hammock.
My in-house hammock is a table cloth, gathered end one. Five foot by ten foot material. Fabulous for the setting but my backpacking hammock is a commercial one.
We used to used to adjust how the fabric settled by using different whipping on the hammock ends. I pulled out my old 8.5 ft Speer hammock the other day, and forgot how comfortable that one was. Plus my Speer Pea Pod is made to fit. Wish I could make it ti Grayson Highlands this weekend, but I can't afford to get stuck if my 82 year old mom needs me.
I started with an ENO Double Nest, have loved it from day one and used it for about five years. Then my Tahoe go broken into and ALL of my camping gear got stolen, including my rig to hang my hammock from the receiver hitch (like yours). I liked that in colder weather I could keep a flashlight in the side pocket of the hammock and flop it over and fully enclose myself from the wind at night. Never heard of the Knotty-Mod before, but I love the concept. Now that I have to start over, I need to rethink everything which I need to reacquire. I have NO use for thieves... bastards.
I have a hammock ive been using since 2013 at least. I recently upgraded it, for car camping, with a hammkock stand. I like your ideas. You are an experienced hammocker.
I'm 3 years into this journey and its been a blast! You've been a HUGE help too Shug! Hennessy was my first but it's too small for me and I don't care for the fabric for the comfort. It fits the girlfriend well and seems to be fairly good quality. I gat an 11 foot double layer wide Chameleon with Hexon 1.6 fabric from Dutchware next and it fits me very well and I love the feel of the fabric. I want a Superior for the winter and have been very curious about what the fabric material is like on them, also wondered if it would be wide enough for my liking. I live in Canada so it's quite pricy by the time I pay exchange rate and shipping. That gamble has had me hold off on ordering one. Even just underquilts are super pricy to get up here. My height is 6'2". Hope your surgery and healing goes well Mr. Shug, Thanks again for all that you do!!
Good to know I gots me some peoples in my corner with spit can and cotton swaps for up my nose and vaseline on my cheeks and brow and a stitch kit!!! Thankee thankee.
@@shugemeryWell I was thinking more along the lines of encouraging words, maybe dropping by a nice casserole or chili for you and Meg, but if you need some swabbin and Vaseline applications I best prepare myself mentally. I got you 😂 Take care
Hi, from Germany. My first hammock was some double kingsize Ticketttmoon and it was fine, as long as I didn’t know better. I did get the floppy experience especially at my favourite place ( an observation tower in a forest - extremely windy :). For now I’m rotating between a bugnetted Cocoon and a tttmoon ‘the lightest’, which is short and has a super small pack size but already getting ‘holy’. For one I love it because it fits like a good shoe, but also it’s fabric is terribly delicate- nothing for a hamfisted bloke like I am. Though the new Moonquilt 650pro underquilt is superb for my purposes. And for the end of the year I’m planning to get myself a Superior Gear, 11ft, 15F rated. Let’s see if I can find a dealer inside the EU to avoid the massive shipping fees. Cheers
As always an informative and entertaining video, thank you😊 You'll be in my thoughts and prayers on Friday for smooth surgery and speedy recovery. More base videos would be cool 😊
Thankee and thanks. Yessir. I just got that Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling USA made bass about a week ago. Traded in my P bass and a guitar and got a great deal Have been researching them and found one about 90 miles away to try. I loved it so brought it home. Can't quit playing it.
All done. Had the surgery yesterday. Just feels like a bad sore throat. The low dose oyx they gave me helps. Still can function. Not uttered a peep yet. 2 weeks total silence. Got a white board to write on. Funny...Meg talks to me like I'm deaf since I can't speak....haaa. Even went skiing around the lake today on my new HOK backwoods skis. Took it easy. 8º out So nice.
Thanks for all the hammock content and fast healing on your upcoming surgery. I car camped in a Wise Owl 9’ with a Nemo Pad for the past six years . Last year I got back into backpacking and after a few nights in a tent I was back to hammocks. I just ordered a new 11’ L, 58” W Redtail from Hemlock Mtn Outdoors and hoping it’s a good fit. I went back and forth on getting a wider hammock being 6’ and 230 lbs but took a chance that a 58” will be a good fit. Cheers to ya buddy and healing vibes! J Bear
@Shug - while many people do bike touring with tents, have you ever heard of unicycle hammock touring? I listened to one of your podcast appearances where you mentioned something about a certain mentality of people who fall for hammocking and I can’t help think there’s something singularly in common with unicycling there. There must be a sort of holy trinity of elegance in unicycle hammock touring with a musical instrument in a gig bag on our backs (the trinity needs the third element, after all).
Really enjoyed your video as always. Playing Jaco at the end was the cherry on the pie. Goodluck with your surgery and lots of patience during recovery. ;-)
Hey Shug, I had that surgery. It went well so here's to hoping you have a fast recoup! As far as hammocks go, I got the XLC 2016, I haven't gotten any other since. I sleep well in it 85% of the time, which is way better than I ever did in a tent.
Reckon your all healed up now. I'm down here standing by now. XLC FOR THE WIN. Warbonnet set-up ....www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hammock-setup.pdf
Hey Shug, I came across your videos in 2016 right before I started my backpacking journey. Because of you, I bought a hammock, and because of these videos, I bought a chameleon back in 2017. I still use that system to this day. You even helped me learn how to take it to ground when I can’t hang. I had to get off the trail to start cancer treatment, and I have even used it after surgeries inside for comfort and ease of getting up from. And now that cancer, surgeries and treatments for three and half years are taking their toll, it’s the hammock that keeps me out in the backcountry. Which gives me the best way to kick this cancer’s ass while knocking off some bucket list adventures. I can’t thank you enough for these videos, and I always look forward to watching them. Thank you for the very expensive, unhealthy obsession with hammocks, and new ideas, because you know our system always needs improvement 😜
Got into Hammocks because of bad hips. Beds r painful. Sleep with no hip pain. Hang in there.
Cancer is a tough trail, glad to hear you’re still in the fight BTDT. As to hammocks the worst night in a hammock is still better than the best night on the ground. And the community is delightfully different.
You GO girl !!! Hiking and backpacking is good medicine. It’s also where I go to church !!! I admire your courage !!🙏
Thank you for EVERYTHING you've done for our community!! Ive learned a tremendous amount from you over the years. I sincerely hopw your surgery and recovery goes well!
Awww thanks. I truly like it is someone gets something from all this. I watch a lot of You Tube a music theory and bass and mandolin and sheet rock repair. It is satisfying to learn something from somebody.
@@shugemery I bet you have a few holes to repair when you are practicing your juggling or other shenanigans indoors and have an oops moment. ;-)
Good luck with your surgery, Shug! As an exclusive ground-dweller, you’re the only person I’d ever watch a 20 minute video, start to finish, about hammocking. 😂 Sending all my wishes for a speedy convalescence!!
Cape Breton. Bet that is some nifty camping up that way 'eh....
Thanks for the good words and watching. Mucho appreciato.
Hey Shug. Ahh the hammock fit journey, I went through four until finding the one that works 98%. I’m 6-3 so it ended up being a 11 foot Warbonnet. Went through two under quilts and top quilts. You’re sure right about setting up the Warbonnet hammocks, the best thing I did was to make a backyard hammock lab to sort out all the issues before hitting the outdoors. Good luck with your throat surgery and protect that fine tenor voice.
Warbonnet has some good set up tips. www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hammock-setup.pdf
Hope they include them with hammocks.
Thankee. Maybe I'm be a mezzo soprano after!
I found that raising the foot end 12 inches plus was the magic trick for me. Been awhile since I’ve bought any new gear but those Superior Gear hammocks have been talking seductively. Here in Texas much of the public land (rare as it is) isn’t easy to hammock in. Overgrown or not hammock tree friendly.
I recall the WL Snipes & Owls with the draw cord & footbox.
Luck with the GTrunk Starter, about 9'6" × 4'7". Can lay right in it or really great with 66"×20" Womens Neo Air X-Lite Pad.
What beats the Superior in warmth & comfort is the slightly wider 49" +extra baffle Hammock Gear Incubator: it wraps the feet & covers the head better.
With the Superiors I feel they get a cold spot where my foot hits the uninsulated hem & I feel like they somehow could be a touch longer: like the Blackbird the Superior takes a bit of alignment for the hang angle, I imagine especially for tall people.
I think the "Hood" at the top of the Superior Hammock, like Simply Light Designs uses, helps eliminate calf ridge, because my 10' older Superior with no hood gets a bit more calf ridge than the 11' with the hood. Weird how the $29.99 GT Starter does not seem to have much calf ridge & is a good overall hammock configured many ways.
If one can arrive at a hammock that can be hung in the middle of the night in a weird place, perhaps bad weather too--and that hammock has the fewest adjustments to make, it might be the winner.
Good luck. I think Joe from The OutdoorvGear Review is doing silent videos...a silent chanel.
This wasn't asked, but I am at about 2.5 years in a cheap Amazon hammock with an inexpensive synthetic underquilt.
I sleep dang well in it, even in winter, but I also line it well with other insulation in the cold. I am always tempted to upgrade to an insulated Superior Gear hammock, and you are pushing me over the edge.
God speed brother. It was nice hearing your voice. I look forward to hearing it again when it has recovered.
Glad that is doing the trick for you. I do really like the Superiors. My Water go-to for sure.
Thanks for everything you have done for the hammocking community. Good luck with surgery and I hope to see some more content soon! Wooo Buddy
Thankee. I must admit to slowing down on content. After 16 years I done about give out........but I go a few in me.
The first hammock I bought was in 1983. It was a WW2 surplus jungle hammock I paid 30 bucks for, and I used it until the late 90's when the canvas started to wear out and the top started to get brittle and leak. I went to tents for a few years until I discovered manufacturers starting to make modern hammocks.
Those are cool old hammocks. They bring a lot of memories to those that have used them in times of conflict and peace. Whoooooo Buddy)))))
I made a diy hammock from the directions you have back in 2007. I heard about you on a podcast, "Southern Backpackers" or something like that. Came to your channel and have been hooked ever since. I am praying for your surgery to be a success and recovery to be quick.
Nothing like sleeping in one you made. The best really. Thanks for the prayers...I'll take 'em.
Always love it when a Shug video pops up in my feed! Praying for a successful surgery, and an easy recovery.
Much appreciate the sentiments~~
In 2013, I purchased an ENO single at Neels Gap, on the Appalachian Trail. I've used it for several section hikes. Following your videos, I created a Ridgeline, l made the Whoppie Slings, and use a nylon tarp. Since 2017, I use it for lounging in the backyard, and throw it in the travel trailer, to lounge in the campground. I've always thought I'd try a different mfg when this one gives out. I'm either taking good care of it, or I'm not using it enough. But the bottom line, when I need it, it still works for me.
Sounds like you modded it well and are happy with it. I call that a WIN!
Started with a Grand Trunk Nano 7 with a Kymit pad and a sleeping bad. Quickly realized the nano was a great day pack hammock and too small to sleep on. Upgraded to the Dutch Half-wit, still using pad and sleeping bag. Went all out and got a Dutch Chameleon, 20° Underground Quilts under and top quilt. Still the setup I am using today. I did add a custom made 40° under and 50° top quilts to my arsenal. My entire hammock journey is thanks to Shug. I found his videos and dove in head first.
I too started with pads for a long time. Was fun. When I went under quilt I never looked back. Thanks for your hammock history. Whooooo Buddy)))) Chad.
Love the bass Shug! Can't believe I've been watching your videos for 12 years now. Best wishes for your surgery and recovery.
Thankee! Thankee and thanks. Yessir. I just got that Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling USA made bass about a week ago. Traded in my P bass and a guitar and got a great deal Have been researching them and found one about 90 miles away to try. I loved it so brought it home. Can't quit playing it.
I’ve got a bunch of hammocks and I have settled in most often with my Dutchware Chameleon. I get the best sleep in it.
We drift to the one that call us. Those are comfortable hammocks for sure.
I started out with a 9 ft.hammock I got at Walmart over 10 years ago, which I still use on my deck as a quick set up when my hang addiction overwhelms me. Since then I got Warbonnet and Dutch hammocks. I stopped backpacking many years ago( same age as you ) because I just couldn’t sleep on the ground without waking constantly and couldn’t stand up in the morning. I do have to thank my brother for turning me on to hammocks and after that first sleep through the night I was hooked and found your channel. Been in the woods constantly since. Thanks 🙏
Glad the hammock turned your camping experience around and you are back at it~
My first hammock was a hammock gear netted hammock, now im running a half-wit and absolutely love it. I didnt realize how bad the calf ridge was in the old HG hammock!
Your hammock groove is set! Alrighty.
Hi Shug! I’ve carried a hammock for ten years thanks to you and I’ve never slept better on the trail. I’ve got two 11 foot Amazon gathered end hammocks that work fine for me but I’ll sew a Knotty Mod(tm) into them and see what it does for that annoying flapping on windy nights in northern Ontario. Shout out to Hammock Gear for great quilts! And best wishes on your surgery Shug! Maybe you could do a Buster Keaton silent film! 😁
I added a knotty mod once and had good results making the whole knotty mod on a separate piece of fabric with the shock cord it it and done and then sewed that to my hammock hem. About 20 inches long works well.
Surgery went real good. All done. Had it yesterday. Just feels like a bad sore throat. The low dose oyx they gave me helps. Still can function. Not uttered a peep yet. 2 weeks total silence. Got a white board. Funny...Meg talks to me like I'm deaf since I can't speak....haaa.
Thanks! It won't take much material. Some nylon for a sleeve, shock cord and a couple toggles. I saw your Jan22 video. Your surgery hasn't affected your amazing playing! Would your vow of silence make you the first Backpacking Monk? 🙂@@shugemery
I bought the ultimate bundle from Danny @ Superior Gear back in Aug bc of you, and I absolutely love it! Thank you, and good luck with your surgery. 🙏
Went all out!!! Hope it is doing you right. I trust mine for deep winter camping and that is saying a lot. Whoooooo Buddy))))
I just bought an 30° Ultimate Bundle from Superior Gear last year because of Shug & Buckley. It was pricey, but it is less expensive that the cheaper hammocks & gear that I pieced together earlier days!
Love the Superior Hammock...easy up, no fuss underquilt!
My hammock still fits. Last year's bathing suit, not so much.
I did actually laugh out lot at your comment.
😂😂😂
Thanks for taking the time to share with us your hammock experience. I have the Warbonnet XLC. I have the older nylon version. I’m not completely at ease with the setup and probably should do some trials at home in order to properly dial my setup. The RR is much easier to setup. Good luck on your throat surgery. I guess you won’t be appearing on THE VOICE anytime soon 😂. You can always stick to the guitar 😉👍
@@ricardoneto7789 Thankee for the good words. I can't even watch the voice. I like to just look at my tv while it is off. It is a nice rectangle.
lol
@@shugemery
"something so simple in concept can be so complex" - Bingo! Why I love them.
Touché
Best of luck with your surgery shug... I've been in a 11 ft Onewind for 3 years now... Love every thing about it... Built in whoopie sling Ridgeline...Have it set on 110 inches and get the best sleep...On the trail 40 plus weekends a year so it gets lots of use...I think Onewind is one of the best kept secrets in the hammock world... Very affordable and great quality...My hammock looks like it did the first time i used it...Most my weekends are in Linville Gorge Wilderness and the AT... Happy Trails Shug...🥾🥾
You are giving that Onewind some good time out there in the woods. Awesome you get out that much. Man I need the LinvilleGorge.
@@shugemery I always enjoy all your gorge videos and I'm lucky to live within an hour of the southern end and 45 mins from 105 at the Northern end...I did the grand Loop labor day weekend...It was a blast...
@@randypeterson4146 Hickey and I want to do that Grand Loop again. It was a blast!!!
Prayers for a speedy recovery from your surgery!
Mucho appreciato.
Been into hammocks for I guess 10 years now. Always made my own. I made an XL hammock, but it was just too much. I felt like I needed to go really crossways subconsciously to take advantage of that width. Ended up making another around 60 wide and love it. The XL was around 70 wide. Hope all goes well with the surgery. We gotta have that Whooo Buddyyyy!
60 is just about perfect.
No Flop!!!
Making your own is a great way to learn more about hammocks as well.
Shug, I got a Warbonnet blackbird double layer XL, got great service with custom down placement in my 0 degree Wookiee, under quilt and xl x60” top quilt the morning after seeing your videos for the first time 4 or 5 years ago!😂 I love the way my quilt protector zips into my winter top or my bug net for a nice winter sleep! I’m 68 and still hike and camp! I sleep better in my hammock than my bed! I keep it up year round! Still using and loving my warbonnet, wanting to get a Superior with attached under quilt like yours! Hey best wishes with your upcoming surgery you have a lot of people who appreciate you! God Bless and get well soon, and please let us know, a little typing! Please keep us informed ❤
Happy you have had good and positive hammock experiences. That good sleep in the woods adds to ones life. Whooooo Buddy))))
Thankee on the surgery. Should be an interesting experience. Hoping to get out Winter camping soon.
Whooo Buddy! Thanks, Shug. I will be thinking of you for your surgery. Here's to healing fast.
Thankee. My surgeon seems smart and capable and at the Mayo Clinic. In good hands. She is very confident and laughs easily.
Hey shug
My first hammock was from sail, just the standard double-wide two-person 9 foot hammock.
I found it comfortable, I'm 6'2. my whole life I had one vertebrae sticking out in my back that no one could fix it really cared too much about and usually had back pain from physical labor jobs.
After 2 months of sleeping in that hammock every night, it was gone.
Just like that my fiance rubbed my back one day and she said where's that bump and I looked and it was gone.
So that was a life changing moment for me and I bought a Dutch chameleon and I've slept in that for almost 3 years now every night.
I wake up restored, no back pain, best sleep's in my life I use it every night at home and for camping and just recently made my own hammock which is turning out to be just as comfortable. But hammocks are their own magical beasts I guess you could say and there's fussy sometimes but in the end I think they're Superior to beds and like most people here I believe you were a big part in my hammock learning experience and still are and truly appreciate what you did for me and what you do for the community. Well that's the short and sweet to my hammock story.
I wish you good luck on your surgery and a fast and speedy recovery. Happy hanging.
🌳👍🌳
A sail. The cuben material is from sails. They call it DCF now.
I hear you on the restorative powers of the hammock!
Shug, you've seen my one of a kind hammock, 11' long, 48" wide with a spreader bar above my head. When I discovered hammocks, shortly before Hammock Forums was hatched in 2006, I bought an ENO. Made at least one simple DIY hammock Then, in 2007 I made the style hammock I still use today.
You have a great one-of-a-kind rig. Glad I know it.
I’ve been using my Hennessy for the last 15+ yrs, still one of my favorites. My other favorite is superior gear.
Nice to hear of your loyalty your hammock.
Hi Shug! Recover quickly!
Years ago my husband was ready to give up camping because he didn't like crawling out of the tent each day. I found hammock forums, joined and then made double layer hammocks for each of us. We then made a plan to hang out once a month and successfully did it for 4 years (side note, we live in NE Ohio). Yes, many nights were in our side yard.. sub zero Temps are not my favorite. Over the years we have amassed a lot of hammocks. My favorite is still the one I made. My least favorite and most expensive mistake was the bottom entry hammock (I had several panic attacks in the middle of the night). It's so hard to admit to my husband I will never sleep in it again. I now use a winter sleeping pod designed for the hammock. I now sleep warm and happy. Thanks to you and hammock forums for all your words of wisdom over the years.
The ones you make yourself are always special to you forever.
My best sleep always comes from my 12ft chameleon. My first hammock was a onewind 11’. I slept in it enough to get into hammocks. I have a 11’ Darien I’ve never spent a night in. I’m going to give it a try soon. Every time I’ve lounged in it, I’m surprised how comfortable it is. It’s something to do with the bug net sewn on one side. Just works better than my sparrow somehow..
Best lounging hammock is my 12’ DutchWare nettles like the one in your video.. Im a few years into hammocks 62 years old and a hammock and kayak junkie..
I appreciate your videos and you’ve helped me through a lot of learning curves..
Good to hear you hammock grooves. Thanks..
Good to see ya, Shug. Hope surgery goes well and we see you back in the woods soon.
Took advantage of the recent snow storm here in Tennessee to finally give my Superior Gear hammock a true cold weather test and it passes with flying colors…new personal low of 19 degrees. Slept like a baby. Cannot thank you enough for convincing me to invest in it. Looking forward to getting back out in few weeks. Stay well.
My personal low was 15 with a 20 degree down sleeping bag, no underquilt. The only thing that got me through the night was packets of peanut butter. Just a 1/4 mile up the trail was a huge firepit with reflector/split wood and two trees perfectly positioned in front of that fireplace. Grrrr. The funny part was the previous night was 50 degrees at 3am.
Love it! Remember to migrate your down from time to time after packing and unpacking. Migrate means patting the down where needed. ua-cam.com/video/07rYfwaOyDQ/v-deo.html
Whooooo Buddy))))
No underquilt or pad?? Sleeping on peanut butter packs just does not insulate well. But good on a sandwich!! The Superior Gear he mentions has built in under quilt. I know you ate the peanut butter, not slept on it. I'm just being a wisenheimer....
@@shugemery Thanks for that tip. I just washed all my down quilts, pillows, and jackets for a fresh clean fluffy warm cuddly sleep. Since my excursion with the 20 degree sleeping bag, I purchased a 40, a 0 degree overstuffed hammock gear quilts, plus a 20 degree jacks r' better underquilt. All brands you have done videos on in the past. Thanks.!
@@shugemery You'll have to be a wisenheimer here in the comments for a while after your surgery. I hope it all goes well for you.
On my Chameleon, I took a piece of shock cord and tied it into a loop, then attached it to two of the UQ hooks on my head end where the fabric used to hit my face. Works really well, especially since I don't use my hooks for my UQs. I guess I organically discovered the function of the knotty mod.
The 11-foot Chameleon in 1.6 hexon is my second hammock. This April will be two years of sleeping in it every night. I sometimes think maybe I'm missing out on a better sleep, but I really can't see how that's possible. I sleep 10 hours no problem, don't even move once.
Good use of those wee d-rings. I like that 1.6 Hexon and find it comfy. 10 hours of nod. You are good.
As a kid I actually camped in a cheap net hammock. Woke up the next morning looking like a Belgian waffle, but I slept ok. As an adult I've had 3 so far; An Amazon ENO knockoff, a Ridge Outdoor Pinnacle 180, and a Superior Gear Classic Hammock. I've had a fair number of nights in each, but the SGC has been my main for about a year and a half now. it is only 10', but is very comfortable. Eventually my plan is to get an insulated hammock from SG for fall, winter, and spring and probably a Chameleon for summer. Only time (and budget) will tell...
I know those hammocks! Waffle. Time reveals all.....
Hey Shug,
Man You're sure bombing on that bass?
Beides playing a mandolin and guitar, is there anything that this young man can't do?.
I think being in the circus caused you to be at master of all the arts.
A jack of all trades you're not but a master of them, you are!
Well that's my opinion of you
and I'm sticking to it!
I pray that your surgery goes well, and wishing you only the best in this 2024 season.
Really sweet of you to say Bec. Circus teaches one to practice and practice more. And play. And enjoy the progression. I will never master anything. Maybe if I was into just "one" thing but that would bore me I think. I'd rather be "pretty good" at a few things. Don't we all feel that way?? Surgery Friday. Then Mute I'mm be. Could be life changing!!
@@shugemery
Will, needless to say, I love watching your videos. You inspire a lot of people.
If it weren't for you, I would have never learned about hammock camping.
If it weren't for you, I would have never learned how to make a whoopie sling.
If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even know to put a ridgeline up.
You have been an inspiration with all of your videos.
Not just your juggling, not just your Halloween get up. But all in all just everything you do is an inspiration to everybody.
Thanks for all your vids!
My first hammock: tablecloth, 13' x 90". Did a LOT of testing in the back yard with that. First, tried adjusting the length up/down...found 11.5 foot as my sweet spot. Next, was to adjust the width. HOWEVER, I found that I kinda liked the wider 90" width; in summer, I'd flop that part over me to act as a kind of bugnet, and in the colder weather, flopping the excess hammock over my head provided that extra little bit of warmth.
3 years ago, I left for a group camp WITHOUT my dear hammock...a fellow camper had a spare Blackbird XLC to get me through the weekend. That was enough to tell me that I liked the XLC, and now I have one of those as well. Only have about 40-50 nights in my XLC, but still carefully weigh the options of using my old 90"-wide tablecloth instead for every trip.
Built in sheets with the flop~~ We all have ur own way. You will always have a soft spot for your first hammock.
Oh McGoo you’ve done it again
"Ahhh....yes....mumble mumble mumble...."
Shug, thanks for all the content and for helping to guide me through the hobby over the years :) If you ever want to come recover (or just visit! ) in the warmer climes of mexico, i'd love to give you the royal tour.
Wish you the best on the recovery from the surgery!
Thankee. I spent a good deal of time in Mexico back in the day. Worked a lot of cruise ships. A Royal Tour...can I wear a Crown? Though these days I really love being home after a life on the road.
The fact that the hammock can be viewed like a suit is a helpful thought. Thanks for the video Shug. See you again. Auf Wiedersehen.
In changes everything when you think of it that way for sure. Danke.
Had a Clark TX270 for four years and used it on a ton of camping and hiking trips with the boy scouts. Had the system dialed in so I could sleep comfortably down to 20 degrees and survive the nastiest of summer storms. Loved it! And then one fateful Fall night the zipper jammed on the weather shield. I tried to force it free with my foot and then "perma-jammed" it. In the morning I had to call out to my buddy Wally from inside the hammock and ask him to get me out. He managed to get about an 18 inch opening somehow and I tried to squeeze through it. (Picture Jim Carrey escaping the rhino in Pet Detective 2.) I couldn't get all the way through and nature was calling pretty bad so I had to make the call - "cut me out". My beloved hammock was ruined. I've since gotten a replacement NX270 from Dutch, but she just isn't the same even know that is all in my head. Smells too new and clean. I probably just need a dozen more thunderstorms and angry midnight chipmunk taunts and she'll be just right. I do love the Clark hammocks, and I'm glad Dutch took the brand under his wing. Loved learning about hammocks from your videos over the year! Good luck with the surgery. (Shurgery?)
What a Clark story!! "cut me out!!!" In time you will have the new Clark seasoned and smelled up. Good excuse to camp more. Thankee on the Shurgery!!!
Praying for a speedy recovery from your surgery. Rest up and get back at it!
Much appreciate the sentiments~~
I really do wish you the very best for a swift and complete recovery, from someone who hugely benefitted from your videos when I was recovering from brain surgery 5yrs ago. From a ginger-haired UK guy who was brought up in a few US states, including Minesota! Take care, buddy.
Hope you brain is better than ever. A cuppa and a Crunchie will do ya'....
And I one who was born over and now live here. Thankee.
Thanks Shug. As so many have said, I have been watching the journey for many years.
Looking forward to "hearing" you in a couple of months. Carpe Diem! !! !!!
I may do a video blinking in morse code.
Praying for you! We will miss your voice. Can't wait till you're back!
Much appreciate the sentiments~~ Maybe I'll talk like Jon Hamm after....
We bought Dutchware netless 11 footers in 2016, and those are the only hammocks we've owned. I finally bought a new netless hammock last year to loan out to people that want to go with us.
Nice to hear you are happy with those hammocks.
I really enjoy these talks we have, always something to consider or learn, will miss them for a spell. Well wishes on the surgery, it's gonna be tough given your gift of gab and all, maybe just post up some bass playing and we can get in the grove till your all healed up and back in the grove. All the best to ya always.
Nice to do these as gets me to thinking as well. I plan to tape my likes shut daily. I can huff through my oversized nostrils!! haaaa
My first hammock was a Warbonnet Warbird 2006 circa. I went through two of his, and I could never get comfy in them. I tried a few others, and they were OK as well. Enter Papa Smurf and his prototype danger bird he posted on Hammock forums around 06/07. I bought the 2nd one he made. I still use it to this day. I have other hammocks, but I always end up reverting back to his original hammock he made all those years ago, and it's still holding up fine. I will say last summer I did grow a kin to his free Bird. I think I might rock that this season a bit more and see how I like in comparison.
Ya' know...it is like that favorite tee shirt. That is the one you want to wear. Glad the Dream Hammocks are suiting your groove.
Hey Shug, sooo first hammock was an Eno Double Nest. I cobled togather an over quilt and under quilt from old sleeping bags. It was a week long trip in the BWCA at the beginning of Oct. Temps were high 20's to mid 30's i was comfortable the whole time. Since that trip I've tried Dutch Half Wit. I was all right didn't love the bug net situation. Like you said,"I REALLY wanted that to be the one." I used it for 3 years. Just didn't ever get really comfortable in it. Whether dealing with the calf ridge, or side flop or bugnet issues wasn't the one. I'm currently into a Chameleon and it has fit me pretty good. I've had pretty consistent setups generally enjoy it the most of the three. That said, the ENO was a close second at this point. Woo Buddy Good luck with your surgery (and staying quiet that long). You got this.💪🏼 Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge with us. Appreciate you. 🤙🏼✌🏼
I think we all did a lot of cobbling in the beginning. Chameleon is really comfy. I like that 1.6 heron fabric a lot.
All done. Had the surgery yesterday. Just feels like a bad sore throat. The low dose oyx they gave me helps. Still can function. Not uttered a peep yet. 2 weeks total silence. Got a white board. Funny...Meg talks to me like I'm deaf since I can't speak....haaa.
My cocoon of comfort fits me like a glove! Nothing but fantastic sleep whilst out in the piney woods!
You got that right Jim~~~!!!
I’ve never heard of a Notty-Mod till now. But… three years ago I built my own hammock and added shock cord full-length on both sides. I love it. The hammock is 12 ish feet long. I don’t like the length for very cold camping when I am stacking under quilts. But I’m glad my concept - like I invented a wheel or something- is out there. I never get on forums, I here about this stuff only from you. So, speedy healing wishes for you. Missed you at the FBH or Refrigerated Butt Hang. No stacked quilts needed this year. ATB!
Seemed a good crowd from what I saw for such mild and low snow. I'm hoping to get out to BWCA in a few weeks. Thankee MNMike
Good to see ya Shug, My first hammock (2007) was a Hennessy Expedition. You know the one where, when your non hammock camping friends thought you were crazy for exiting out the bottom, and one clever friend said you looked like a dinosaur afterbirth coming out of that contraption. I eventually did the zipper mod, and it was my go to for about 5 years. Then a got a couple of Dutch's double lined 11 ft with the knotty mods. Still got them and I like them for summer. For winter, I have A warbonnet ridge runner. I need the Spindrift Sock. For the kind of winter camping I do. Good luck on your upcoming procedure.
Oh yeah....had one!....ua-cam.com/video/3EZrZ7cE2Bo/v-deo.html
Ridge Runners are nice. Never use mine enough.
Hooray!! A new Shug video😁 I can't tell you how much I look forward to these, doesn't matter what your theme is, if it's you and hammocks Shug you make my day. Dealing with some hard stuff right now and your cheerful presence has helped, thank you so much and I wish you every good thing you would like 👍
Hope the light shines brighter soonest....
I’m laying in my Dutch 12’ hammock while I watch this video. Purty comfy and floppy. I’ve gone down the hammock rabbit hole. They ALL have compromises. 12’ trail lair wide gathered and a Townsend big guy bridge. Those two are my go to hammocks. For various reasons. Thanks for the years of good solid information on hammock camping, and sharing your experiences and setup ideas. And good luck with the surgery.
Fun hole to explore for sure. Leads to good things. I am looking forward to the silent challenge. I think~~~
Hi my hammock guru. I started with very short hammock from Aliexpress (9 ft long) with DIY underquilt, then i found your youtube channel. Now I have 11" Polish hammock Lesovik Draka. It similar like Dutchware chameleon.
I wish you good luck with your surgery, and also greeting to Meg.
Hey there Milan~ Yes I believe the 11' hammock will bring you much better slumber. Meg says Hello~
Good luck with the surgery! Anyone who has watched your channel loves the content/presentation, your knowledge, and your sense of humor. Maybe you can convince the surgeon to string up a hammock, pine scented candles, forest sounds playing in the background, they'll be writing papers about how easily the procedure went and how quickly you healed up. "Throw out that pyramid! Mabel, I've switched to Shugs Healing Hammocking!" Will be echoed across the country! Serious though, take care, brother, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thankee for the good thoughts. Wonder if the Mayo Clinic has a hammock surgery suite. I'll suggest it.
Hi Shug, great video as I get ready to teach Scouters about hammock camping this weekend.
I’ve been using an ENO DoubleDeluxe for 7 plus years now along with an occasional trip in an ENO DoubleNest. My son and I started in the ENO SingleNests as that’s what was in the trading post at Webelos camp all those years ago. The extra fabric in the Deluxe is useful for throwing over myself when I want another layer on top of my quilt/poncho liner/clothed body, especially if I’m not using a tarp in the summer time and the temp dips a little. Occasionally I’ll get some calf ridge but shifting around usually relieves it for me.
I use a JRB Sierra Sniveller TQ and a Greylock 3+ under quilt for shoulder seasons through mild mid-Atlantic winter camping. In late spring and summer it’s usually a DIY PLUQ under and a poncho liner loose on top. I switched my suspension 17:17 from the standard ENO carabiner and Atlas/Slap Straps to whoopie slings after watching one of your videos years ago, first in the DoubleNest and then in the DoubleDeluxe.
Whoo buddy, that’s some good sleeping!!!
Man I wish we had had hammocks as scouts but two guys sleeping in those old button together canes tent as good memories. I can still smell that canvas. Show them boys the way!!!
Shug
Troop 51 Cooks Methodist Church Hall
Hornets Nest
Mecklenburg County
Charlotte, NC
Thank you Shugmister.....Great content with a smile...Love your Goldie Locks syndrome... Just Right... Can't wait to give a hammock a try. I'm 73 and still smokin the hopium to hit the AT. Keep em coming. Now I need to check out all your videos...exciting!!!
Hoping the hopium gets you trucking on the AT...in a hammock!
I hear a lot of good things about Superior from people who get CBS all the time with a UQ & they just cannot make it right. I was just talking late night Saturday with Majestic Hammock at Hangcon about hammock sizes. They suggested I try a 10' 6" hammock in their line. They put elastic all around the outside it helped manage the flop. I'm 5' 6" and started with a 11 foot hammock because that's what Dutch sold. Right now I'm in love with the Ridgerunner. And when I lounge I want my Wahalla wide hammock like it's a big Amok chair or let the sides hold my head up so I can read a book. So go figure. You're right on with the HYOH. Try stuff.
Having that built in UQ solves a LOT of problems. I'm unfamiliar with Majestic hammocks. Try 'em all...all I say~~~
Great video Shug! Thanks for esplainin' the knotty mod....new to this myself and didn't know what the heck people were talking about.
My first "backpack" hammock: Hidden Wild Blue Jay from Costco. $114 CAD. I bought knowing I could return it. It was a test (I didn't want to go down your 1000 hammock road because I don't have a garage for my gear lol). It was heavy - 5 lbs 10 oz. Length 9'4" x 59" wide. Integrated UQ + TQ (which is crap. Froze my butt off at 14 C/57 F ). No ridge line. Horrible sleep. Next time I took it out, I incorporated a ridge line, and that made ALL the difference plus I brought a sleeping bag. Super comfortable. But too heavy. Then I knew I wanted a serious hammock for backpacking. I went on Reddit and asked "what would your soul mate hammock be?" And the SG was the answer for me. I think the integrated UQ is the ticket. I'm in Canada, so it is NEVER too warm. That's what I have now (10' 30 degree UQ), but I kind of had a shit sleep in it my first night out (I was warm though, at -12C/10F), but I felt a "shelf" - not just calf ridge, but a bloody shelf! It was horrible. Got to mess around with the ridge line to find my sweet spot.
Hey Shug, maybe you could use AI for voice video after your shuggery, I mean surgery. Thanks man! Happy hangin.
Good stuff. The SG hammock with the built in UQ solves the problem for a lot of people. Truly like mine a lot!
My favorite hammock is actually a diy gathered end made from a tablecloth. I think its 10ft by 5ft give or take. I have it set up indoors and I sleep in it daily. Its green!
Folks do love those. It feels good and that is a Win!!!
I used a homemade tablecloth hammock for the first few years, quite a few years in fact. It was comfortable. But I started to worry about it on longer trips because it wasn't ripstop -- when it was time for it to go, it would GO. Four seasons ago, I switched to a Dream Hammocks Raven. That was a lucky choice and I've been very content with it from the get-go. Last year I further upgraded from an underpad to an Arrowhead Jarbidge synthetic underquilt. Tremendous! I sleep like a baby out in the woods.
You know we're all rooting for you with this surgery, Shug. Hope you're back in fine fettle right quick. Meantime, let the bass do the talking. Hang in there, as the hammockers say!
I've got a Raven too. Need to get that back out this Spring. Thankee for the good thoughts.
Shugs rippin' the bassline a new groove.lll Stay well and a quick recovery from surgery. We need the Shugs on the spring trails before the big thaw...
Thankee and thanks. Yessir. I just got that Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling USA made bass about a week ago. Traded in my P bass and a guitar and got a great deal Have been researching them and found one about 90 miles away to try. I loved it so brought it home. Can't quit playing it.
I've been using the warbonnet ridgerunner for about 4 years now. Its more comfortable than my bed. I really want to try a superior gear hammock with the built in quilt. I've just never slept in a gathered end hammock. Thanks for putting all your knowledge on the subject into these videos. Hope you have a speedy recovery from your surgery. At least you can still make some noise slappin' that bass!
The nice thing about a bridge hammock is that you can just flop your feet out and not have them crammed to one side. Advantage I say. I've enjoyed putting out the videos through the years. Thankee. My surgeon seems smart and capable and at the Mayo Clinic. In good hands.
Great to see a new video Shug, love the base too, a new passion keeps life interesting doesn't it. Just thinking about you post surgery, if you're up to it, maybe a silent winter hammock camping trip video, a first for Shug! No lolly gagging, just taking us along for the ride. The mime (1) and the voyeur (112K). A performer like you, no problem...Whoooo Buddy!
Thankee. Yessir. I just got that Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling USA made bass about a week ago. Traded in my P bass and a guitar and got a great deal Have been researching them and found one about 90 miles away to try. I loved it so brought it home. Can't quit playing it.
I am itching to go Winter camping and hope we get lots of snow soon.
Hey shug, I just started sleeping in a hammock last summer. Your videos helped me a lot with the right setup.
Been using an Amazonas traveler quilted.
I had a lot of great nights in it. But I remember getting a small calf ridge in it... Did not really bother me till now but that's something to improve on for sure!
All the best for your surgery and a fast recovery!
Greetings from Germany
Is it is insulated? Nice.
My Calf Ridge video....ua-cam.com/video/cFHvX56ZKNs/v-deo.html
Thankee for the surgery sentiments.
May God bless you and keep you through your surgery. May God bless and huide the Dr's. May God's loving will be done.
I think He will. The surgeon is good too. Mayo Clinic. Thankee.
Praying for you and for a successful outcome for your surgery! Thank you for your knowledge and enthusiasm, and your willingness to share them with us.
I feel well. They done turned me a-loose. Thankee.
Hi Shug,
I have gone through the gauntlet of hammocks! I have also gotten rid of my wide hammocks. I have 3 Dream Hammock Dariens, which I sleep full time in! My backpacking hammocks now are Superior gear , eliminating dealing with underquilts. Have the 10 ft 45 degree elite and 30 degree 11 footer. Don’t like their zip on bug net so use a Dream hammock bottom entry net. Love it! I too find myself not sleeping on the extreme diagonal lay anymore. I do use pillow behind my knees, always have. I’ve enjoyed your videos. I’m 68 yrs old and still living the dream of hammocks! Will never sleep in a bed again! Take care and God bless!! Barry
I'm with you on the SG. 68 and livin' the hammock Dream....Whoooooooooo Buddy))))
I still use the same hammock to sleep in that I got from Walmart in 2018 for 35 bucks 😎 I have two of them, the original one hanging in my room and another one set up for camping
Righto bren……
I started out with the Hennessey hammock and then moved to the helsdon chrysalis bridge hammock. That was a little heavy so I settled on the ridge runner bridge. That’s my hammock, I am well satisfied.
Ridge Runner for the Win!
First of all, good luck with your surgery.
I have two hammocks one HG for most of the time with various TQ and UQ from HG as well. When it gets serious cold i switch to my superior gear 0 degree with the 40 degree cocoon and whatever additional TQ needed for the conditions. I love both of them. Also thanks for introducing me to ula. I have a catalyst for winter and ohm 2.0 for summer. I love them both
Great report thankee.
Had the surgery today. Feels like just a very sore throat. Only 2 weeks of no talking or sounds. So far so good.
Hey Shug! We met at COTA last year. Great to see some more hammock content!
To answer your question. Like many people I started with an Eno hammock. It was great for the backyard, but not for camping. Then I went to a Hennessy 10ft. It was around that time that I started watching your videos. My current hammock is a Warbonnet Eldorado and I love it!
Good luck with your surgery!
For sure....I remember. Got out deposit down for next year. We may shoot for Main Grandstand this year. Be fun to see all the Grid action.
When I take a Warbonnet it is my single layer Eldorado. Shelf is nice but I prefer my smiling mesh ridgeline organizer.
Had the surgery today. Feels like just a very sore throat. Only 2 weeks of no talking or sounds. So far so good.
Hey there Shug! Appreciate the insight on this video. I actually got into hammocks in general when I heard a couple of guys talkin' about "Shug" on the AT. It was like this secret powwow I didn't know anything about but was welcome to join. I had never slept in a hammock and barely laid in one. Grabbed a cheapie off of amazon and realized quickly two things: 1. I enjoyed laying in a hammock no matter the fabric, make, length, etc. 2. I was no longer a "tenter." Once I realized the latter, my first camping hammock was a WB XLC. I really liked it and, as you said, it's a great sitting hammock. They're wonderful quality and Brandon and team have amazing customer service and pride in their product. At some point, I ended up grabbing a 2nd hand Dutch Chameleon and just fell in love with the fabric. It has become my go-to and I've ended up buying a second and a word of accessories (including the new JRB zip UQ add). I ended up selling my WB XLC setup to a close friend who was just getting into hammocking. It was a bittersweet "see you again soon" to an old friend. I say that to say this: Really fair point on continuing to search. Just because you've invested a healthy chunk of change into a first, second, or even umpteenth setup doesn't mean you've found the one that's right for you. Group hangs, discussions, insightful research etc. are a fantastic way to make sure you're on the right track for yourself. If you get in a setup and something seems off, listen to yourself. Find what's off and try to fix it. As you've said before, hammocking is a constant adjustment lifestyle. Happy hanging sir and warm wishes for a speedy surgery recovery. We'll be here when you get back. The water will be boiling for you. - Neilbo
Nice dissertation there Neilbo. Doing my bass trials the same way.
Yessir. I just got that Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling USA crafted bass about a week ago. Traded in my P bass and a guitar and got a great deal Have been researching them and found one about 90 miles away to try. I loved it so brought it home. Can't quit playing it. Smaller than the original Music Man. www.music-man.com/instruments/families/basses/sterling
The new Music Man has that nice neck cutaway on back and eases getting up there. Thankee!
Fun to have a bass challenge~ Hello to the family from me...Silent Shug of the Third Person
@@shugemery Man a solid P Bass is a hard thing to let go of as well. Those sterlings are good lookin' instruments to boot! I think the "can't quit playing it" part is the most important. Keep on pluckin' my friend. Hope to see ya between the trees soon.
@@neilbobaggins2073 I'll get another P bass someday. I prefer a maple fingerboard. Maybe an 60s one!
Winter camping Feb 16...I'll be cleared to go.
Started with a Hennessy before i found your channel. Great hammock but it left your foot at an angle that made it hurt in the morning if you used a pad you would be fine, but i sleep with my dog so we need the underquilt. Gave my Hennessy to a friend who was sleeping our of her eno. Was good but she felt like the fabric was starting to stretch after a few years. After i found your channel i got a went with the warbonnet a few years later. That’s been great but the dogs nails just go right though the bug net, and i feel like it could be a little more roomy for the dog. Maybe i need more fabric or a double foot box? Getting a dream hammock here in a few weeks here hopefully, going symmetrical hopefully it will give my dog enough space inside of being committed to a right or left side lay? Dogs make a really great hip/thigh warmer and if you’re lucky you can have them pre warm the hammock before bed. Highly suggest dogs in hammocks. Under 25 pound dogs though. Not sure about larger dogs but i also haven’t tried.
Maybe a double layered hammock would be best for you and your dog under quilt. Not much you can do about the bugnet but repair it. Enjoy the warmth! Dogs are the best.
I gave away a hammock that didn’t fit but I love my Hennessy. Thanks for the informative video.
Good on ye'~~!
Hey Shug, on my second ENO now. Never tried anything else. Tree hanging for 5 or 6 yrs now and only this last yr slept assemetricle. Like you, 10 or 12 hrs sleep minus the several get up to pees in the night. Love it.
Oh that hammock slumber for the Win
Started with the Eno doublenest a bazillion years ago. Finally settled into a Dutchware netless 1.6 hexon 11 footer. In season I use a Fronkey bugnet with it from another manufacturer...BIAS maybe? Tried other more expensive stuff since, but that one is what I keep coming back to. Simple, light, comfy...at least to me. Hope the surgery went well!
You seem to have found your groove. Surgery went pretty well. Thankee.
Good luck with your surgery. I hope you have a speedy recovery.
Thankee. My surgeon seems smart and capable and at the Mayo Clinic. In good hands. She has a good laugh and seems to love to heal folks.
All the best for your surgery! Have a good and speedy recovery! Cheers, jochen
Thankee for the good thoughts.
Yeah, I'd watch a pantomime video while you recuperate!! Again, a successful, easy surgery and a quick recovery are wished!
Thanks for this one!!! Appreciate the humor and, no, I wouldn't 'lie' to you, either.... 😉
I'll come up with something. I have a striped shirt and beret. No lie!
Good luck with the surgery Shug! We love you buddy!
Thankee. My surgeon seems smart and capable and at the Mayo Clinic. In good hands.
Hey Shug! Best of luck with the surgery. Feel free to mime a hammock video or simply come on and play some for us, just to let us know you are okay. Oh, and I started and still have an ENO hammock. It's good for an afternoon nap and hanging out with friends but doesn't meet my backpacking need at all. Very soon planning on upgrading to a Warbonnet.
If you get a Warbonnet make sure to read their set-up directions and follow, Insires the best hang. Foot end 12 to 16 inches higher than head and foot end strapped closer to a tree than head end.....www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hammock-setup.pdf
@@shugemery Excellent! Thanks! I feel that if I am going to get 10-11 hours of sleep in a hammock the least I can do is get one that requires a little set up knowledge and practice. You've got to earn that much sleep. 😂
@@steveyost5530 Righto~~~Earn the Nod.
First hammock was DIY, then moved to a WBBB XLC and loved it. Then I shifted to the WB Ridgerunner bridge hammock and that's the one that I've consistently used since; 10 years. Love the "lay flat" aspect of the bridge hammock.
Bridge Hammock Man! Glad you found the one that spoke to you. Whooooo Buddy))))
It got down to the mid twenties down here in Tallahassee last night… us panhandle folks aren’t used to that … but doing good .
That is real cold for ya'll!! New World Order Weather-Wise~~
My in-house hammock is a table cloth, gathered end one. Five foot by ten foot material. Fabulous for the setting but my backpacking hammock is a commercial one.
Full time hammock guy you...Whoooo Buddy))))
We used to used to adjust how the fabric settled by using different whipping on the hammock ends.
I pulled out my old 8.5 ft Speer hammock the other day, and forgot how comfortable that one was. Plus my Speer Pea Pod is made to fit.
Wish I could make it ti Grayson Highlands this weekend, but I can't afford to get stuck if my 82 year old mom needs me.
Good ol' Ed Speer. Takes me back to my humble beginnings. Looks like folks are bailing on the hang...that snow and cold!!!
I started with an ENO Double Nest, have loved it from day one and used it for about five years. Then my Tahoe go broken into and ALL of my camping gear got stolen, including my rig to hang my hammock from the receiver hitch (like yours). I liked that in colder weather I could keep a flashlight in the side pocket of the hammock and flop it over and fully enclose myself from the wind at night. Never heard of the Knotty-Mod before, but I love the concept. Now that I have to start over, I need to rethink everything which I need to reacquire. I have NO use for thieves... bastards.
Sorry to hear of the loss. New choices for you or perhaps all the same stuff.
I have a hammock ive been using since 2013 at least. I recently upgraded it, for car camping, with a hammkock stand. I like your ideas. You are an experienced hammocker.
Thankee Rush. Hammock on!
I'm 3 years into this journey and its been a blast! You've been a HUGE help too Shug! Hennessy was my first but it's too small for me and I don't care for the fabric for the comfort. It fits the girlfriend well and seems to be fairly good quality. I gat an 11 foot double layer wide Chameleon with Hexon 1.6 fabric from Dutchware next and it fits me very well and I love the feel of the fabric. I want a Superior for the winter and have been very curious about what the fabric material is like on them, also wondered if it would be wide enough for my liking. I live in Canada so it's quite pricy by the time I pay exchange rate and shipping. That gamble has had me hold off on ordering one. Even just underquilts are super pricy to get up here. My height is 6'2".
Hope your surgery and healing goes well Mr. Shug, Thanks again for all that you do!!
Sometimes I wish I could begin my hammock journey all over again.
Good luck with the surgery. Lots of us in your corner. Hang in there!
Good to know I gots me some peoples in my corner with spit can and cotton swaps for up my nose and vaseline on my cheeks and brow and a stitch kit!!! Thankee thankee.
@@shugemeryWell I was thinking more along the lines of encouraging words, maybe dropping by a nice casserole or chili for you and Meg, but if you need some swabbin and Vaseline applications I best prepare myself mentally. I got you 😂 Take care
Hi, from Germany. My first hammock was some double kingsize Ticketttmoon and it was fine, as long as I didn’t know better. I did get the floppy experience especially at my favourite place ( an observation tower in a forest - extremely windy :). For now I’m rotating between a bugnetted Cocoon and a tttmoon ‘the lightest’, which is short and has a super small pack size but already getting ‘holy’. For one I love it because it fits like a good shoe, but also it’s fabric is terribly delicate- nothing for a hamfisted bloke like I am. Though the new Moonquilt 650pro underquilt is superb for my purposes. And for the end of the year I’m planning to get myself a Superior Gear, 11ft, 15F rated. Let’s see if I can find a dealer inside the EU to avoid the massive shipping fees.
Cheers
I did see a lot of TTTM hammocks at this Hang. Not sure Superior Gear has a dealer over there yet but I know the owner wants too.
Our prayers will be with you on Friday..
I'll take 'em...thankee.
As always an informative and entertaining video, thank you😊 You'll be in my thoughts and prayers on Friday for smooth surgery and speedy recovery. More base videos would be cool 😊
Thankee and thanks. Yessir. I just got that Ernie Ball Music Man Sterling USA made bass about a week ago. Traded in my P bass and a guitar and got a great deal Have been researching them and found one about 90 miles away to try. I loved it so brought it home. Can't quit playing it.
I hope your surgery went well! Take some well deserved rest!
All done. Had the surgery yesterday. Just feels like a bad sore throat. The low dose oyx they gave me helps. Still can function. Not uttered a peep yet. 2 weeks total silence. Got a white board to write on. Funny...Meg talks to me like I'm deaf since I can't speak....haaa. Even went skiing around the lake today on my new HOK backwoods skis. Took it easy. 8º out So nice.
Good luck with your surgery and I wish you a speedy recovery!
Appreciate that a lot.
Hey Shug! Love your content and videos! Best of luck with your surgery! No idea how an entertainer like yourself can keep quiet for 3 full weeks! 🙂
I'll have to go full on Mr. Bean!!!! Thankee.
Thanks for all the hammock content and fast healing on your upcoming surgery. I car camped in a Wise Owl 9’ with a Nemo Pad for the past six years . Last year I got back into backpacking and after a few nights in a tent I was back to hammocks. I just ordered a new 11’ L, 58” W Redtail from Hemlock Mtn Outdoors and hoping it’s a good fit. I went back and forth on getting a wider hammock being 6’ and 230 lbs but took a chance that a 58” will be a good fit. Cheers to ya buddy and healing vibes! J Bear
58 is a good width in my opinion. At 6' the length should do you well. Hope it takes! Thankee for the good sentiments.
Ultimately I prefer a bridge hammock. But this is a good video.
Well there you go then. I don't use my bridge much but do find it comfy. Just prefer my gathered end hammocks.
@Shug - while many people do bike touring with tents, have you ever heard of unicycle hammock touring? I listened to one of your podcast appearances where you mentioned something about a certain mentality of people who fall for hammocking and I can’t help think there’s something singularly in common with unicycling there. There must be a sort of holy trinity of elegance in unicycle hammock touring with a musical instrument in a gig bag on our backs (the trinity needs the third element, after all).
I used to think about it but did not want to road ride. Made my crotch hurt just thinking about it. Haaaaaa
Really enjoyed your video as always. Playing Jaco at the end was the cherry on the pie. Goodluck with your surgery and lots of patience during recovery. ;-)
Thankee thankee....I am 2 hours from surgery right this moment. "time to get serious!!"
Hey Shug, I had that surgery. It went well so here's to hoping you have a fast recoup! As far as hammocks go, I got the XLC 2016, I haven't gotten any other since. I sleep well in it 85% of the time, which is way better than I ever did in a tent.
Reckon your all healed up now. I'm down here standing by now. XLC FOR THE WIN.
Warbonnet set-up ....www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/hammock-setup.pdf
Godspeed for recovery Shug
It is in others hands now...thankee!